Now What?

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all  godliness and holiness.” -1 Timothy 2:1-2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Isaiah 26:1-9 

— Romans 12:2 (NRSV) "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect."

 

The day had been much like any other until I met with my supervisor in late afternoon. The corporation where I had worked for the previous five years had decided to eliminate my position. Suddenly and without notice, I was unemployed. Fear overwhelmed me; all I could think of was, Now what? Panicked and feeling betrayed, I spent the next several days focusing on my hopeless situation. Then one morning during my quiet time, two questions came to mind:


What does God want me to learn from this? What new door is God about to open? Changing my thoughts of fear into anticipation put my focus back where it belonged — on God. I remembered that every overwhelming circumstance that I face in life is an invitation to become more like Christ. Our perception of a situation can either steal or enhance the peace that God freely offers to each of us. The choice is ours: conform to the pattern of this world or allow God to renew our minds.

The Author  Noel S. McArtor (Nevada, USA)

Thought for the Day  God sometimes opens doors that we never knew existed.

Prayer

Protector of all who trust, when life is overwhelming you offer us peace in the middle of chaos. Help us to focus on you when we are tempted to look at the hardship. Amen.